Nicholas Paul Firimonte, a senior music composition major at Winthrop, passed away on Dec. 17, 2020. He was both admired and beloved by his friends and professors and was an integral part of Winthrop’s community.
“He twice made the dean’s list while at Winthrop and was in the honor’s program,” wrote Interim President George Hynd, and Vice President for Student Affairs Shelia Burkhalter, in an email sent to students on Dec. 20, 2020.
“One of Nick’s favorite Winthrop experiences was attending a composition festival in Italy. His favorite composer was Morton Feldman. Nick was also a member of Winthrop’s military-connected community, having taken a brief semester hiatus from his studies in fall 2019 to join the South Carolina National Guard.”
Firimonte had the respect of the professors with whom he worked and learned under.
“I remember Nick as one of the students who had raw natural talent and instinct in composing music. I was very impressed at his first composition jury. He had written beautiful melodies that were well paced, had good rhythm and texture, and an overall a well thought out form, which is a difficult thing to do as a freshman composition student,” said Dr. Tomoko Deguchi, a professor in the Department of Music.
“Over time, his compositions have become more adventurous, and it was a rewarding experience for me to witness that Nick was finding his individual voice as a budding composer. I also had him in several of my music theory and aural skills classes. He always sat quietly, always concentrated, absorbing all information. I am saddened that I don’t get to hear his music anymore, but we will continue our conversation when I meet him again.”
Firimonte was a pleasure to encounter for many reasons, one of the most prominent being his humor.
“Nick will be missed by all who knew him. He had a great sense of humor and was very witty. As the area coordinator for music composition, I worked very closely with Nick and he was among my favorite students I have taught in my nineteen years at Winthrop,” said Dr. Ronald Parks, a professor in the Department of Music.
“Dr. Lewis and I meet weekly with all students studying music composition for a repertory class and to share our work. Once we were watching a video of a performance of a piece for piano and cello. A few minutes into the video Nick asked, ‘Dr. Parks, why are we watching Bernie Sanders and Tommy Chong playing this piece?’ Everyone cracked up because the players really did look like Bernie Sanders and Tommy Chong! It took Nick to make the connection, such was his wit and sense
of humor.”
Firimonte was a very creative individual whose personality and individuality were often evident in his compositions.
“His original music expresses an exploratory voice using a depth that is usually found in composers well beyond his years. You will also find music composed by Nick named after his favorite foods…That was our Nick! He will be missed,” said Dr. Leonard Lewis, a professor in the Department of Music.
“Nick was extremely intelligent, talented, and an all-around lovely person. He was very witty and quick with a joke. He was a vital member the Composer’s Ensemble as a saxophonist and composer. We all loved working with him and just having him around.”
Firimonte touched the lives of many other students at Winthrop as well.
“I honestly don’t know if I can name many composers that were as intelligent as Nick. He thought in ways that completely baffled my mind. There was never a day in class where he wasn’t talking about his love for Morton Feldman or why atonal music was superior to its tonal counterpart. Each Friday for years, all the composers at Winthrop would take part in a ‘composers’ ensemble’ class, and without a doubt, Nick was the life of the class,” said Winthrop alumni, Joshua Leyda.
“Every day he came in with jokes and a smile, and I’ll never forget those amazing moments I spent with him.”
For those mourning Nicholas Paul Firimonte and finding it difficult to navigate life in the wake of such a great loss, Winthrop University’s counseling center is available to help. Please call the staff at 803-323-2206.
Image courtesy to Winthrop University
